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Program Information

David O. Carpenter MD Shares Expert Knowledge on the Subjects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Exposure and Disease Outcome with Focus on Akwesasne

Summary: David O. Carpenter, MD, Director of the State University of New York University at Albany Institute for Health and the Environment presents information on the subjects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) exposure and damages to health. Dr. Carpenter is an internationally recognized scientific expert on POPs exposure and health effects. POPs are contaminants of animal fats. All animal fat containing foods, including: meats, fish, dairy products and eggs contain harmful concentrations of POPs. The harm caused by POPs exposure occurs as a result of gestational exposure and lifelong accumulation of these chemical substances in the bodies of exposed individuals.

Much of Dr. Carpenter's research has been conducted on the Akwesasne Reserve. The First Nations people who reside at Akwesasne have received exposures to PCBs as a result of the use and disposal of these substances at industrial facilities located in the Town of Massena. PCBs are some of the most well studied of the POPs. Research has demonstrated that Akwesasne residents suffer PCB associated health effects including diminished cognitive function, hypothyroidism and diabetes. Studies have shown that both oral and respiratory exposure are significant PCB exposure routes for this population. Respiratory exposures occur due to the evaporation of PCBs from contaminated soils and sediments.

Dr. Carpenter made this presentation for Lorraine Kourofsky, Interim Director of the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department. The purpose of the presentation was to provide Ms. Kourofsky with knowledge of the POPs exposure health hazard. Cancer Action NY advocates for action by the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department to provide residents of Akwesasne and St. Lawrence County with educational outreach on the subject of POPs exposure minimization. What Dr. Carpenter states on this conference call makes clear the importance of providing the public with information on POPs exposure and damages to health. POPs exposure can be minimized by clean-up of contaminated sites and choosing to eat little or no animal fats.